Livni, Barak 'wanted for war crimes' in Poland

Knesset members visiting Krakow surprised to see ads against opposition chairwoman, defense minister on number of bulletin boards across city

Tzvika Brot

Published: 01.27.10, 09:00 / Israel News

Israeli leaders continue are still wanted in Europe, but not in a positive way: Knesset members visiting Poland for ceremonies marking International Holocaust Day were surprised to see ads against Defense Minister Ehud Barak and Opposition Chairwoman Tzipi Livni in the city of Krakow on Tuesday evening.

Posters hung not far from the Israeli lawmakers' hotel read in English, "Wanted for war crimes," offering the public an award of 10,000 euro in exchange for information on Barak or Livni's expected arrival in Europe. The ads included a website address for people interested in providing information on the Israeli officials.

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Several members of the Israeli delegation – including MKs Israel Hasson, Yohanan Plesner and Rachel Adatto of the Kadima party and Uri Orbach of Habayit Hayehudi – spotted the posters on a number of bulletin boards across the Polish city. The four sought to tear the ads, but decided to let security officials look into the matter.

"There is no doubt this was carried out in response to our visit," said one of the MKs, who are attending an event organized by the European Friends of Israel (EFI) organization, together with 150 parliament members from all over the continent.

"After 65 years, we once again realize that being right is not enough," said MK Hasson. "We must remember this ahead of the next challenges, like Holocaust deniers, Holocaust cursers and different kinds of anti-Semites."

The MKs informed security elements about the ads. MK Plesner said he would update the Knesset officer, but the security officials estimated that the posters were a local provocation which has taken place in other countries across the world. Knesset officials said a complaint would be filed with the Polish authorities.

Incidentally, the MKs could not help but note that the ad against Livni was bigger than the ad against Barak.

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